The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded ACDI/VOCA the Enterprise Competitiveness Project (ECP) in the Kyrgyz Republic. ECP will continue advancing USAID’s overall program to accelerate diversified and equitable economic growth in Kyrgyzstan by targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.

ACDI/VOCA is well-positioned to lead this program given its familiarity with the country’s SMEs, intermediate buyers, and processors. ACDI/VOCA’s previous work there has focused on helping Kyrgyz farmers increase their incomes, find employment opportunities, and establish linkages with markets. ACDI/VOCA also has long experience and strong ties with the financial sector in the region.

“Kyrgyzstan is determined to deliver economic growth more broadly,” said ACDI/VOCA CEO Charles “CJ” Hall. “The Enterprise Competitiveness Project represents an exciting opportunity to crowd in financing from the private sector in order to catalyze new partnerships and stimulate inclusive growth for the country. We have a great team put together to implement ECP.”

Under ECP, ACDI/VOCA will work in partnership with the private sector to mobilize the resources necessary for investment in inclusive growth in Kyrgyzstan. ACDI/VOCA’s approach to accelerating inclusive, market-led growth involves fostering a system that increases market access and competitiveness, catalyzes investment, unlocks opportunities for women and youth, builds skills, and encourages a more enabling environment.